Passing Faith: Nurturing the Next Generation in Christ

Psalm 78 reminds us of the sacred responsibility to pass on faith to the next generation. In a world that is rapidly changing—where technology, social media, and cultural confusion shape the hearts and minds of our children—our calling as followers of Christ is more urgent than ever. The statistics are sobering: Gen Z is the most anxious and depressed generation on record, with many walking away from faith and struggling with identity. Yet, there is hope. God is still at work, and revivals are breaking out among young people who are seeking their Creator and finding their identity in Christ.

The primary goal for every Christian parent, grandparent, and church member is to help the next generation know God, love Him, and trust Him. This is not just the job of parents with children at home; it is a calling for the entire faith community. Each of us is responsible for leaving a legacy of faith, intentionally investing in the spiritual lives of those who come after us.

Creating faith-filled children requires intentionality. The home must be a place where faith is fostered daily—not just through church attendance, but through everyday conversations, shared meals, and living out the gospel in practical ways. Faith is not just taught; it is caught. Children learn most deeply from what they see modeled in the lives of their parents and elders. Even if only one parent or grandparent is walking with God, their example can have a profound impact.

Community also plays a vital role. The church must be a place where young people find friends who encourage them in their walk with God, and where families are supported in their efforts to raise children in the faith. We must be vigilant about the influences that shape our children, guarding their hearts and minds from the destructive messages of the culture.

Finally, prayer is our greatest weapon. Even when it feels too late, or when children seem far from God, persistent prayer can turn the tide. Like Moses on the mountain, we must lift up the next generation in prayer, trusting that God can bring revival and transformation. With God’s help, and by His Spirit, we can see our families and our community renewed in faith.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Intentional Faith Formation Begins at Home The spiritual environment of the home shapes children far more than any church program or youth event. Faith must be woven into the fabric of daily life—through conversations, shared experiences, and the rhythms of family. When faith is treated as essential, not optional, it becomes the foundation upon which children build their lives. [13:43]
• 2. Modeling Authentic Faith is More Powerful Than Words Children and grandchildren are watching how we live, not just what we say. When they see us trust God in both good times and bad, serve others, and prioritize spiritual disciplines, they learn what genuine faith looks like. Our lived example speaks louder than any instruction or advice we could give. [26:33]
• 3. Community and Friendships Deeply Influence Spiritual Growth The people our children spend time with will shape their values, beliefs, and choices. A church community that cultivates godly friendships and provides a safe place for spiritual growth is essential. We must be proactive in helping our children find wise companions and in protecting them from harmful influences. [27:25]
• 4. Prayer is a Spiritual Weapon That Can Change Destinies No matter how far a child or grandchild may seem from God, persistent prayer can break through spiritual barriers. Our prayers can create opportunities for conviction, transformation, and divine encounters. Even when our words are rejected, our prayers are never wasted. [30:24]
• 5. Every Generation Shares Responsibility for the Next Passing on faith is not just for parents of young children; it is the calling of the entire church. Each of us is called to invest in, disciple, and pray for the next generation. Our legacy is not measured by what we achieve, but by who we intentionally help to know and follow Christ. [10:59]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [02:13] - Scripture Reading and Opening Prayer
• [03:49] - The Changing Landscape of Parenting
• [05:14] - The Impact of Technology and Mental Health
• [06:37] - Cultural Shifts and Spiritual Decline
• [07:50] - Signs of Hope and Revival
• [08:37] - The Battle for the Next Generation
• [09:45] - Our Shared Responsibility
• [10:59] - Who Is Your Legacy?
• [13:43] - Ingredient 1: A Home That Fosters Faith
• [15:40] - The Shema: Impressing Faith on Our Children
• [17:21] - Practical Ways to Foster Faith at Home
• [18:51] - The Power of the Family Table
• [22:53] - Ingredient 2: A Parent Who Models Faith
• [23:46] - Single Parents and the Power of Example
• [26:33] - Faith Is Caught, Not Just Taught
• [27:25] - Ingredient 3: A Community That Cultivates Faith
• [28:20] - Guarding Against Harmful Influences
• [29:31] - Ingredient 4: A Praying Relative
• [30:24] - The Power of Persistent Prayer
• [31:34] - Holding Up the Next Generation in Prayer
• [33:37] - Praying for Conviction and Godly Friendships
• [36:31] - Relying on God’s Presence in Parenting

Bible Reading

Psalm 78:1-8 (ESV) — Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth!
I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old,
things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us.
We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.
He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel,
which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children,
that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn,
and arise and tell them to their children,
so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God,
but keep his commandments;
and that they should not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation,
a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (ESV) — Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.
You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house,
and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.
You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Observation Questions

1. According to Psalm 78:1-8, what is the main responsibility given to God’s people regarding the next generation?
2. In Deuteronomy 6:4-9, what are some specific ways God commands His people to pass on faith to their children?
3. The sermon mentioned that faith is “caught, not just taught.” What examples did the pastor give of how faith is modeled in everyday life? ([26:33])
4. What are some of the challenges facing the next generation, as described in the sermon? ([06:37])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does the psalmist in Psalm 78 emphasize not hiding the works of God from the next generation? What might happen if we fail to do this?
2. The Shema in Deuteronomy 6 calls for faith to be woven into daily life. What does this suggest about the difference between faith as a Sunday activity versus a daily lifestyle? ([15:40])
3. The pastor shared that even if only one parent or grandparent is walking with God, their example can have a profound impact. Why might a single faithful person make such a difference in a family? ([23:46])
4. The sermon described prayer as a “spiritual weapon.” How does persistent prayer affect the spiritual destiny of children and grandchildren, even when they seem far from God? ([30:24])

Application Questions

1. Think about your own home or upbringing. What kind of spiritual environment did you experience growing up? How did it shape your faith today? ([13:43])
2. The pastor said, “Faith is more caught than taught.” In what ways are you currently modeling authentic faith to the next generation—whether your own children, grandchildren, or others in the church? ([26:33])
3. The sermon challenged us to make faith “essential, not optional” in our homes. What is one practical change you could make this week to prioritize faith in your daily routines (e.g., family meals, prayer, Bible reading)? ([18:51])
4. Who in your life could be considered your “legacy”—someone you are intentionally investing in spiritually? How can you take a next step to encourage or disciple them? ([10:59])
5. The pastor talked about the influence of community and friendships. Are there any relationships in your family’s life that you need to encourage or set boundaries around to help foster spiritual growth? ([27:25])
6. Persistent prayer was described as a weapon that can change destinies. Is there a child, grandchild, or young person you have stopped praying for or feel discouraged about? What would it look like to renew your commitment to pray for them? ([30:24])
7. The sermon said that passing on faith is the responsibility of the whole church, not just parents. What is one way you can support or encourage a family or young person in our church community this month? ([09:45])